Introduction
The intersection of politics and sports has become increasingly prominent in recent years, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) is no exception. While the league as a whole has been vocal in its support of social justice issues and has promoted progressive policies, there have been a few players who have publicly supported former President Donald Trump.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal has expressed his admiration for Trump in the past, but he has not explicitly endorsed him. During the 2016 election, Shaq stated that he had voted for Trump, citing his business acumen as a reason for his support.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving has been somewhat secretive about his political beliefs, but he has donned a “Make America Great Again” hat in the past. He has also voiced support for conservative commentator Candace Owens.
Lou Williams
Lou Williams has been outspoken in his support for Trump, stating that he believes the former president has been unfairly criticized by the media. He has also praised Trump’s economic policies.
Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter is a Turkish-born NBA player who has been critical of the Turkish government. He has praised Trump for his tough stance on Turkey and his support for human rights.
Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard has not explicitly endorsed Trump, but he has expressed admiration for the former president in the past. Additionally, he has been spotted wearing a “Trump 2020” hat.
The Minority of NBA Players Supporting Trump
It is worth noting that these players are in the minority, and the majority of NBA players have been critical of Trump and his policies. The NBA as a whole has also been vocal in its support of social justice issues and has promoted progressive policies such as LGBTQ+ rights and Black Lives Matter.
Conclusion
While there have been a few NBA players who have expressed support for Trump, they are in the minority. The league as a whole has been vocal in its support of progressive policies and social justice issues. The NBA players’ political stance may influence their fans, but they are not representative of the league’s values as a whole.